Wayne Guitars Exotic Rock Legend

Model is basically the Wayne Exotic Rock Legend. Made in late 2004 and early 2005. 22 jumbo frets. Per my build request, it has 1 volume knob, 3-way selector (bridge, bridge and neck or neck pick-up configuration) and two-way toggle (coil tap to split neck pick-up). This is perfect for what I need/want.

The placement of all of it works exactly how I want and nothing is in the way, yet is quickly and easily accessible (so I don't mistakenly hit a switch or knob while playing live. Seymour Duncan JB trembucker (humbucker) in bridge and Seymour Duncan Alnico II humbucker in neck position (split-able)--both are zebra. Alder body. AAA Birdseye maple neck. Rosewood fretboard.

Original Floyd Rose tremolo (not double locking, by request). Gotoh tuners, Floyd locking nut. AAAA quilted maple top w/ translucent dark green color, black on back and sides. Headstock is also painted the same translucent green. Hardware is all gold. I also got the EVH D-Tuna added as well. You can see images of the guitar, as long as I have the page up about it, at http://chatbase.com/guitar/ and see for yourself.

Everything was built to the exact specs I requested per looks and feel and function. I'm not exaggerating--this is exactly what I asked for and got. I could not have expected it to be anymore perfect from what I had imagined in my head. They nailed it perfectly, which can't be easy to do since I could only describe the color I wanted and the look I wanted. The specs per hardware and so on were the easy part, I'm sure. A very nice hard case was included as well. I'm marking this as a 10 for features, because it's exactly what I wanted. They could do whatever anyone asks for, and this is perfect, not too much or too little. It does exactly what I want and need with the most simple and effective functions, per my reequest.

I play rock, classic rock, blues, metal, alternative, whatever (most anything). Rhoads, EVH, Zakk Wild, Cantrell, Satch, Vai, Beck, Gilbert, whatever, you name it. This guitar can suit any style without a problem sonically and playability-wise.

I play through a '78 Marshall JMP MK II 50 watt lead tube amp head that I had modified by Todd Langner back in the early 90's (I can't even begin to explain how great this amp sounds. I literally think it's the best amp I've ever heard, as Langer modified it (somehow, don't ask me HOW!?) to the exact dynamics, drive, attack, etc. that I asked for! Amazing and impossibly rare!), into a 4x12 Marshall cab, running 25 watt Celestions. I also play through a Tubeworks combo, and some preamps, etc. for low volume playing.

I use a Lexicon MPX-1 rack multi-effects processor, and a Morley volume/wah, and have other stuff, like a Bradshaw switching system, etc., but I mainly run dry from the guitar into the Marshall and have no need nor desire for effects or anything else--that's literally how perfect this set up is. Mainly due to the amp and mod, but I literally couldn't find or ask for a better guitar to compliment it than the Wayne! I have other guitars and some are better sounding than others, but none compare to the Wayne in any way, none are better, that is.

I really have absolutely no complaints about the Wayne. To expect more from a guitar, I'd be hoping for something better than what's possible from a guitar. The tone and playability of this guitar is perfect. Fast, fluid, and easy to play. It stays in tune and plays as good as it looks. I couldn't ask for anything better, it's perfect. I can play any style on it and hit that style/sound without a hitch. it's well balanced, every note rings out and sustains forever, yet ridiculously fast leads and tapping is effortless and blends well with the attack, so it doesn't get muddy or annoying, etc.

The guitar came very well set up. No need to intonate it, it was packed well. Very good communication and expedient delivery when it was ready. Right from Wayne and Michael Charvel, right to my door, perfect (I can't use that word enough). They asked me prior to starting the build, everything they needed to know, right down to the action, string guage I use and the brand and type of strings I want on it, double checked my request and specs and I left them alone for a few months and didn't bug them while they built it.

All the highest quality hardware and wood and craftsmanship were used. I was confident it would be quality, but I didn't expect it to be so perfect in my eyes. All the wiring, pickup configurations, action, intonation, routing, spring tension on the tremolo, etc., was all exactly right and I like a low action, fast playing neck, good sounding instrument and only expect high quality (I got all of that and more!) The guitar is silent and rock solid. It's a serious and professional instrument that requires no modifications, fixing or adjusting to be concert ready. You'd be hard pressed to find someone to build such an instrument.

This guitar is made for live playing/concerts, etc. Big name people use the Wayne guitars, and for a reason. Unlike other companies, when they build you one, it's just as nice as the guy's that play for David Lee Roth use, they don't get cheap on you, it's just as quality as they get--so you get something special. Everything is solid and quality, there's no reason to believe this won't last longer than me (and I'm only 33), unless I leave it in the rain for a week and then go crazy with seeing how far the truss rod will turn before the neck gets screwed up or something stupid.

I have no reservations with gigging with this live any time and don't worry about a backup for the reason of this failing (of course I'd have a backup or three due to different tunings and strings potentially breaking or long playing sessions that make just switching your guitar easier while a tech ensures your main guitar is in tune if you've playing live). I'd probably not be too concerned about gigging live with just this guitar, I'd primarily be using it anyway, and not pick up another one unless I absolutely had to.

I've dealt with them prior to the guitar being built, while it was and after it was, as well as even recently. They are friendly, patient and down to Earth people. They are a pleasure to work with and were helpful and will give you their time to chat about any questions or issues you might have. I don't recall what the warranty covers. I know it's at least a year, I don't recall if it's more. I figure that's plenty anyway.

Nothing's going to just break that's major or due to a problem with the manufacturing after a year has gone by, assuming you play it at all. I could see someone needing adjustments, or if they didn't know how to set up their own guitar, I suppose, but I couldn't see a problem. These are hand built guitars, I don't see how something major could/would go by unnoticed and they'd remedy the problem if you had one. I know these guys well enough to know that's a fact.

I've been playing since 1988. I've put in a lot of hours playing (most years I played 14 to 16 hours a day, all year). I own too much other gear to list, but mostly stripped down. A steel string and nylon string acoustic, an older Jackson/Charvel (don't recall the model) that I bought new in '88. A Bradshaw switching system, a Lexicon MPX-1 multi-effects processor, '77 or '78 Marshall JMP MK II 50 watt head modified my Todd Langner, Marshall 4x12 cab, Wayne Exotic Rock Legend custom guitar, Fender bass & strat, Tubeworks combo amp, Tascam multi-track recorder, Sure sm-57/58 mics, other mics, bluetube mic preamp, Furman power conditioner, Ampworks guitar and bass amp modeling/affects units (for portable playing), Boss Dr. Rhythm drum machine, nice Tama drum set (now sold, actually), Morley volume/wah, and a few other items to allow me to do whatever I need/want personally. Above all the Marshall and Wayne are the prized items I have and mean more than anything else.

I don't regret not asking anything before getting the guitar, they did everything I asked for and were always available if I called or emailed, and still are (in fact, just the other day I emailed, Micheal Charvel called back about a question I had on another matter). The lost or stolen question is always a weird/stupid one, but I'd be upset. I have insurance and I'd just get another one built exactly like it, but I'd have to wait, which would be hard to do. The build process can take 3 or 4 months or even 6 or 9 months, given how busy they are. Mine took about 4 months total, and they quoted 4 to 6 months when I first inquired, so that's pretty good with the work load they have and I was patient and fine with it, it was well worth the wait and I was never worried about the outcome. Anyway, I'd buy one again, yes, and wouldn't consider anything else for a replacement. In fact, I'd like to buy plenty more now to add to my collection, but I hope to realistically get at least one more built in the next 6 months and maybe more later (but I can't go nuts about it--I don't do major tours professionally--so I have to be realistic about it).

I love everything about it, and hate nothing, per the question on this form I'm submitting this review on. I tried to be critical, but this Wayne guitar and my modified Marshall, I honestly can't complain about anything, and couldn't expect better than this, I don't see how that's really possible. The entire package, so to speak, is my favorite thing about it, I can't explain it any better than what I've outlined and elaborated on in this review submission I've been typing. I didn't really compare the guitar to anything else, I've tried too many to count and was never happy with the quality or sound, tone, or something.

I am completely happy in all aspects in this case, I knew where to go, who to go to, etc. I talked to Wayne Charvel for hours back in the early 90's when he was doing the W.R.C. line of guitars and didn't get one built. I talked to him again back in '98 or so and didn't. I talked to him or Michael back in 2003 or so and planned it and finally just decided to do it in August of 2004 and went from there and finally did it and couldn't be happier. I'm not sure why I didn't before, but I was just never finding a lot of time to play due to contract work I was doing and didn't want to spend a lot of money and wait 9 months for a build at the time, so I didn't do anything and just waited. I regret not doing it sooner, of course, but no big deal. I can't see anyone having a major complaint, or anything to complain about for that matter, if they got a Wayne, I don't think you'll regret it. If you know what you want, want a really nice, quality guitar, have the money to spend and the patience to wait, I say go for it and get one! As far as I'm concerned, while I want another Wayne and another modified Marshall, I feel like I'm set and couldn't ask for anything better and when I see all the other guitar

This is a 2004, serial # 263, Wayne Exotic Rock Legend with a AAAA-Flame Amber/Clear Top and Alder Body. It has one JB Trembucker with the EVH D-Tuner w/ Original Floyd Rose, 22 Frets, Gotoh Tuners, Jumbo Frets, Tons of Birdseye on the Maple Neck, Schaller Strap Locks and one volume knob, that's it !! The rear cavity is shielded so it is ready to rock out. I am only giving it an 8 because it is a one trick pony but probably the best one trick pony on this Earth. I am trying to gently scrape the finish off of this axe so I can get a better tone out of it.

This is a pro piece of gear that is ready for shredding right out of the box. I use it with my Soldano SLO-100 (all mods) and a Diezel 4x12 cab. The sound cuts thru like a knife and is bright and powerful. I am changing pickups to a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom so I can get a thicker, more midrangey tone. Tons of sustain and clarity, a true pro guitar. Not much variety but I am routing it with a single coil pickup for the neck so I can get a nice versatile sound out of it.

Plays like a dream. The action is great but this guitar is very sensitive to the type of strings you put on. It seems to really like 9 gauge Ernie Ball strings. Make sure to keep it in a controlled temp. enviornment. The finish is beautiful with the Flame top and black back.

Built like a tank and meant for playing out live for sure. Very reliable and road worthy. I would use w/o a backup for sure.

The name says it all. Michael Charvel is a great guy but hard to get a hold of....understandibly so since they are a small outfit. I like the fact that I bought a piece of history and a non-assembly line guitar like all the rest. The only guitar that could compete a bit would be a GMW. It is an awesome guitar that needs some more versatility, that's it !! I love it and will never part with it.

Got a great deal on it. Plays like a pro guitar should play and holds up well under live conditions......Its a Wayne Charvel and I expected it to be this good.

This guitar was made this year, 2002. It was hand made in Paradise, California by Mr Charvel and his sons.
It is a 22 fret guitar, maple neck and fretboard, skunk stripe, oil finish.
This is a alder wood strat-style body with a AAAAA quilted maple top.
It has a basic control configuration (my preference), just a quality 3 way toggle switch and volume knob.
Pickup config is a Jeff Beck humbucker in the bridge and a Alinco 2 humbucker in the neck. Passive of course!
The finish is a beautiful trans blue, lighter than navy, but not a light blue. It's unique!
This baby has an Original Floyd Rose, and EVH D-Tuna; licenced trems are crap! Tuners are Gotoh, non-locking. The neck seems a bit different than a Fat Strat neck (the only strat I can stand playing), and I mean different in a good way. The frets are medium.
It comes with a killer G&C custom case. Your SKB's will run and hide, your USA Jackson cases will say "what's up!"

I play hard rock/metal. Lynch, Bratta and Cantrell are big influences on my playing. This guitar is the essence of the '80s San Dimas Charvels, but with modern construction and better features and tops. It is a freakin JOY to play. The neck is a pleasure (guilty?) to handle, the tone is incredible. And for a Floyd trem'd guitar it has INSANE sustain. I can hit a harminic and do all kinds of dive bombs and other annoying shite forever before it fades out. The middle position on the PU selector give a nice creamy tone, cool for certian solo work. Very tonally versatile using a combination of the PU selector and the volume pot.

I'm still getting the action sorted out, I like it really low, and I haven't got it figured out quite yet. No real dislikes.

Set up great at the factory; supposedly set up again at Guitar Asylum, but I think I would rather not have them mess with it after Wayne sets it up. I mean, the setup was nothing incredible when I got it; makes me wonder if they made it worse. The trem needs to be blocked off and the action needs to be lower. PU, were adjusted quite well, no complaints there.
The top is great, beautiful, a joy every time I open the guitar case.
No flaws what so ever. Mr Charvel and sons know what the hell they are doing and have an eye for detail. The score is a bit lower because the set up did not blow me away. The fit/finish gets a 9.

This is a guitar designed with live gigging in mind. It's a pro quality guitar, no question. All of the hardware is top quality, the beost you can get.
The finish looks very durable, we'll see how it wears!
Strap buttons are solid, I depend on this guitar, I have to, I sold my fixed bridge Jackson Soloist.
I won't gig with it without a backup only because it's a Floyd trem. I have a San Dimas copy I put together that is set up similar to this and that's my backup until I get another wayne!.

Haven't dealt with the company yet, but I hear the Charvels answer the phone at the shop. Sounds great! The warranty is for one year.

I've been playing for about 10 years, the last two I got serious. I have a Charvel San Dimas copy I built from Warmoth parts, it is similar to the Wayne, but it has a single humbucker and a flame maple top. I will be replacing it with another Wayne this year.
This I would buy again if it was stolen, right after turning the thief into a paraplegic.
I love the feel, the playability, the tone and the look of the guitar. It was everything I expected it to be.
There is really nothing else to compare this to, except for a San Dimas Charvel. Fenders don't come close, USA Jacksons are nice, but I wanted to get away from a pointy headstock and go handmade. The old San Dimas guitars are hard to find (espicially with a quillted or flame top and a Floyd) and they are starting to go for collectors prices. For less money you can get what I feel is a better guitar. Play one if you can find one, it's alot of money, but nothing else I've played comes close.